Our list of the top battle reenactments taking place across the country this year.
If you have a favorite reenactment event that belongs on this list, please let us know.
Patriots' Day 2017. The 242nd Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord
April 15 - 17, 2017
Lexington, Massachusetts
Thousands of people flock to historic Lexington and Concord and Minute Man National Historical Park every year to celebrate Patriots' Day, a special Massachusetts State holiday commemorating the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. One highlight of the event is the "Parker's Revenge" Battle Demonstration on April 15 at 2 pm where hundreds of British and Colonial re-enactors will engage in a tactical weapons demonstration showing the running battle that took place on the border of Lincoln and Lexington.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
The Great War Remembered
March 4, 2017
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Visit Fort Mifflin and discover the Battle of Verdun. This reenactment gives spectators a taste of a battle that the U.S. did not see combat in. Rather, this important World War I clash occurred between the French and the Germans. It lasted for nearly 11 months and was one of the largest and longest WWI battles on the Western Front. In the end, the French scored their victory,
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Shiloh 155th Commemoration
April 6 - 9, 2017
Shiloh, Tennessee
This Civil War reenactment covers not just one, but several major battles in both Savannah and Selmer, Tennessee. Activities include daily battles, civil war encampments, sutler area, 1860’s food, an evening ball on Saturday night, civil war music and crafts and many more.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Battle of San Jacinto
April 22, 2017
La Porte, Texas
Occurring in 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto was the deciding encounter in the Texas Revolution. The fight lasted less than half an hour, but the president of Mexico was captured and surrendered, and Texas was able to become, at least briefly (10 short years), its own country. Now, an entire festival revolves around the battle, with a dramatic reenactment occurring in the midst of it all.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Revolutionary War Weekend
May 6 -7, 2017
Mount Vernon, Virginia
Learn about life in the 18th century and witness one of the largest Revolutionary War reenactments take place in Mount Vernon. Watch hundreds of Continentals, Redcoats, Hessians, cannon, and cavalry in action and meet General Washington. Wander through the encampment and discover how Washington used to work, sleep and dine during the Revolutionary War. Learn more about military techniques, mapmaking and surveying and even a camp laundry demonstration.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Raid at Martin’s Station
May 12 - 14, 2017
Ewing, Virginia
Take a glimpse of Virginia's wilderness in 1776 in this special event. Activities include tours of Cherokee warrior and colonial militia camps, tales about fort life, 18th-century merchants and colonial traders, an announcement about the Virginia Project and a special Sons of the American Revolution presentation featuring national speakers and a wreath-laying. On Saturday, witness and enjoy the frontier battles between the Cherokee warriors and the settlers.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Battle of Monmouth
June 17 - 18, 2017
Manalapan, New Jersey
Taking place just a few short weeks before the actual 239th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, this reenactment pays homage to many aspects of war that we frequently associate with the American Revolution, including the well-known figure of Molly Pitcher. The reenactment is the largest living history event in New Jersey and has been an annual tradition since 1990. In addition to the Battle of Monmouth, the site is also home to an annual “Battle of New York” reenactment, recognizing the New York and New Jersey campaigns of the Revolutionary War.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Gettysburg Civil War Battle Reenactment
July 1 - 3, 2017
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
On the 154th anniversary of what may have been the most significant battle in the Civil War, you can enjoy three days of events and educational activities. Along with the battle reenactments, there is also a living history village that shows the civilian side of the war. New this year is a Youth Activities Tent with a wide array of activities such as enlistment, life and equipment of a young soldier, medical, drilling, a civil war art contest and honorable discharge.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Civil War Days
July 15 - 16, 2017
Duncan Mills, California
This amazing event encompasses living history at its best with civil war period clad individuals, from both the Union and the Confederacy, performing battle scenarios and offering historical information about their equipment and character. Between battle reenactments, you are invited to visit the Union and Confederate encampments and view authentic camp life and interact with dedicated reenactors—Union and Confederate soldiers, merchants, tradesmen, musicians, townspeople, farmers, chaplains, blacksmiths, and others who lived through those extraordinary times.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Civil War Reenactment
July 15 - 16, 2017
Genesee Country Village & Museum, Mumford, New York
Featuring nearly one thousand re-enactors as they defend and attack the village, around historic homes and shops occupied by townsfolk in period costume. Each day, visitors will get a chance to witness two battle re-enactments at 11:30am and 2pm. Witness dozens of riders as they defend the surrounding community from being blasted by cannon shells and see the infantry maneuver around houses and shops, over fences, and through enemy lines as one side defends the village from being stormed.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Redcoats and Rebels
August 5 - 6, 2017
Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts
New England's largest military re-enactment with nearly 1,000 soldiers portraying British, Irish, Spanish, Scottish, French and Colonial troops. Watch mock battles and skirmishes, tour the British and American camps, listen to martial music, learn about the daily life of a Revolutionary War soldier, see a cannon demonstration, visit the battlefield hospital, and so much more. Come see what it was really like for those who fought to win America's freedoms.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
D-Day Conneaut
August 17 - 19, 2017
Conneaut, Ohio
One of the largest and most realistic annual reenactment of D-Day - June 6th, 1944. This event features an Allied amphibious landing, a Tank! Two Inland combat scenarios, encampments, planes, boats, vehicles and an assembly of over 1,500 re-enactors from across the United States and Canada.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
1777 Brown’s Raid
September 9 - 10, 2017
Ticonderoga, New York
Witness as more than 700 actors and historic interpreters come together to re-enact Colonel John Brown's raid on Fort Ticonderoga. Activities include demonstrations of artillery firing, inspection of troops, musket drill and firing, and a boat tour onto Lake Champlain on Fort Ticonderoga’s vessel Carillon.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Battle of Snoqualmie
September 17 - 18, 2017
Snoqualmie, Washington
Experience for yourself the most turbulent times our country has ever endured - the American Civil War. Hear the crash and boom of the artillery. Feel the weight of the rifles and packs that the soldiers carried. Meet the fine ladies in their gorgeous dresses. Watch as battles are reenacted, and honor the 700,000 Americans who died as a result of the war.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Remebering WWII
September 22 - 23, 2017
Linden, Tennessee
Honor our heroes, experience life in the 1940's and bring WWII history back to life. Featuring two WWII reenactments, an army encampment, big band music, an authentic recreation of the 1940's Cafe de Normandie, vintage vehicles, and more. Plus, get a chance to witness WWII veterans share their stories, speak with them and express your appreciation in person.`
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Mississinewa 1812
October 13 - 15, 2017
Marion, Indiana
Commemorating the Battle of Mississinewa, which took place in Dec. 1812, this reenactment depicts the first offensive victory for the young United States. The living history attractions include not only the battle itself but also realistic military encampments, a Native American village (featuring an authentic long house that has existed since 1752), a historic “town,” and historic dining and entertainment.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
Battle of Olustee
Feb. 16 - 18, 2018
Sanderson, Florida
Florida’s annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee draws over 30,000 crowds each year. Be sure to attend on a Saturday to witness the climax of the weekend when 2,500 reenactors of Confederate and Union troops advance on the battlegrounds and engage in combat at the same place where the actual Battle of Olustee took place on February 20, 1864.
You'll find more details at the event page on The History List
If you have a favorite that belongs on this list, please let us know. And if you're looking for a special gift for a history lover, check out our store, which is what funds the operation and expansion of The History List. You'll find shirts and stickers with our original design, special commemorative shirts, and signed books by noted historians.
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